In 18th-century pre-Revolution France, Jeanne Bécu, the illegitimate daughter of a monk, seeks to transcend her commoner upbringing and pursue culture and pleasure. Through charm and wit, she becomes a renowned courtesan, enriching her benefactor, the Comte du Barry.
When the Comte arranges a meeting between Jeanne and the widowed King Louis, they are immediately captivated by each other. As Louis appoints her as his favourite, ignoring societal norms, they move into Versailles, causing scandal and straining relations with Marie Antoinette, the Austrian queen-to-be.
Critics Reviews:
- “But in a gorgeous period piece that is never boring, you can’t deny the entertainment value of Madame du Barry, one of the most captivating women since Madame Bovary, and all the more fascinating because she was real.” – Rex Reed (Observer)
- “The tableaux are stunning, the costumes surreal and truffle-rich, but the film doesn’t let period details obscure the scandalous love story at its royal center. A warm, scented bath of a movie.” – Thelma Adams (AARP Movies for Grownups)
- “Overlapping with Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” but minus the mischievously anachronistic touches, it’s a finely wrought story of palace intrigue enriched by lush sets and decors.” – Kyle Smith (Wall Street Journal)
- “French filmmaker Maiwenn stars in her latest creation, “Jeanne du Barry,” a watchable and entertaining costume film where she plays the famous 18th century mistress of King Louis XV.” – Mick LaSalle (San Francisco Chronicle)
